How To Use CPT Code 50547

CPT 50547 describes the laparoscopic surgical procedure for donor nephrectomy, specifically from a living donor. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 50547?

CPT 50547 can be used to describe the laparoscopic surgical procedure for donor nephrectomy, specifically from a living donor. This code is used when a surgeon removes one or both kidneys from a living donor using a laparoscopic technique.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50547 is: ‘Laparoscopy, surgical; donor nephrectomy (including cold preservation), from living donor.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient (donor) is positioned in the supine position and prepared with an antiseptic liquid.
2. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision below the rib cage to expose the kidney.
3. The ureter and blood vessels connected to the kidney are disconnected.
4. The kidney is then removed using a laparoscopic technique.
5. The removed kidney is placed in a cold preservation device to maintain its viability.
6. If necessary, both kidneys can be removed from the living donor using this procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50547 is used for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy procedures performed on living donors. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to the removal of one or both kidneys from a living donor using a laparoscopic technique.

5. When to use CPT code 50547

CPT code 50547 should be used when a surgeon performs a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy procedure on a living donor. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 50547, the surgeon must document the following information:

• Confirmation that the procedure was performed on a living donor
• Details of the laparoscopic technique used
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the performing surgeon

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 50547, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document and code the laparoscopic donor nephrectomy procedure. Additionally, be aware of any specific billing guidelines or requirements from insurance providers or payers.

8. Historical information

CPT 50547 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2000. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy on a living donor, removing one kidney.
2. A laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is performed on a living donor, removing both kidneys.
3. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy procedure, and the removed kidney is placed in a cold preservation device for transplantation.
4. A surgeon performs a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy on a living donor, and the procedure is successfully completed without complications.
5. A laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is performed on a living donor, and the surgeon documents the specific laparoscopic technique used during the procedure.
6. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, and the surgeon provides a detailed description of the procedure in the documentation.
7. A surgeon performs a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy on a living donor, and the procedure is well-documented with the necessary information for billing and coding purposes.
8. A laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is performed on a living donor, and the surgeon’s signature is included in the documentation to support the claim.
9. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy procedure, and the surgeon accurately codes and bills for the procedure using CPT 50547.
10. A surgeon performs a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy on a living donor, and the procedure meets all the qualifying circumstances outlined in CPT 50547.